“Following Jesus: Be Encouraging,” Friend, May 2014, 26
Following Jesus
Be Encouraging
What Jesus Taught
After He was resurrected, Jesus visited some of His disciples. One of the disciples, named Thomas, wasn’t there, and he didn’t believe that Jesus had actually risen from the dead.
Eight days later, Jesus appeared to the disciples again. Jesus knew Thomas was having a hard time believing, so He invited Thomas to touch His hands and side to see that He was real. Then He said, “Be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27). Jesus helped Thomas have greater faith.
Following Jesus Today
My friends and I were doing a play. There was a girl nobody talked to. My friend said something mean about her, and I did too. I felt really bad about it. The next day my friend made fun of her again. I said, “Maybe she needs a friend.” I went and talked to her. I told her she was doing a good job. She smiled for the rest of practice. I was glad I could make her day a little brighter.
Lauren C., age 11, Utah, USA
One morning at school, I noticed a boy from my class wandering on the sidewalk. This boy has autism, and I was afraid he did not know where to go. I told my friend to come with me. I made sure he stayed with me all the way to class. When we got there, he said, “Thank you!” I’m glad I could help a friend.
Henry L., age 7, Massachusetts, USA